CHICAGO, January 2, 2012 – Chicago Sky Head Coach and General Manager Pokey Chatman announced today the team has acquired superstar Swin Cash and Le’Coe Willingham from the Seattle Storm, along with one of Seattle’s two 2012 second round draft picks. The Sky will receive the second (23rd overall) of Seattle’s two second round picks. In exchange, the Storm will receive the No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft.

“With the additions of Swin and Le’Coe, we have gained tremendously skilled players and leaders,” said Chatman. “They also possess the experience and intensity needed to not only compete, but succeed at the highest level.”

Cash, a three-time WNBA All-Star and Champion, earned two titles with the Detroit Shock in 2003 and 2006 and another with the Seattle Storm in 2010. With the acquisition of Cash the Sky add one of the most explosive and dominating players in the WNBA. Last season in Seattle, Cash averaged 13.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, just above her career average mark of 12.8 points and 6.0 rebounds a game. The 10-year veteran has scored over 4,000 points in her career and has averaged double digits in scoring nine out of her ten seasons. Cash has also led her teams to the playoffs nine times and has averaged 11.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in the playoffs.

Willingham, who has reached the WNBA finals four times in her 8-year career, is a two-time WNBA champion (2009, 2010) with the Phoenix Mercury and Seattle Storm. Willingham was signed as a free agent by the Connecticut Sun in 2004, and after two breakout seasons with Phoenix in 2008 and 2009, she signed as a free agent with the Storm in 2010. Willingham adds true grit and toughness on the outside for the Sky. Last season she averaged 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds a game with Seattle.

“I’m looking forward to experiencing their impact, not only on game nights, but at practice, in the locker room, as well as in the community,” added Chatman. “I’m excited to start the season.”

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